Firing Lane

Croaky Gun Slinging Against the Virtue Signalers: A Constitutional Showdown

Second Amendment rights vs Gun Control Grandstanding

Pawns & Propaganda: How Influencers Got Checkmated by the Kremlin

In this explosive episode of Firing Lane, we dive into the recent Department of Justice revelations that several prominent Con Inc influencers were unknowingly paid by Kremlin-backed operatives to spread Russian propaganda. From influencers like Tim Pool and Benny Johnson crying victimhood to the larger implications for modern conservatism, we break down how emotional populism left these influencers vulnerable to manipulation.
We'll explore how a $10 million scheme through Tenet Media funneled Kremlin cash to promote narratives that aligned with Russia’s goals, particularly around sowing discord over Ukraine. The influencers, unknowingly acting as pawns, played right into Moscow’s hands—all while cashing huge checks. This scandal highlights a broader issue within conservatism today: the shift from substantive principles to shallow outrage and emotional manipulation, leaving the movement open to exploitation by bad actors.
We’ll also talk about the historical parallels to Soviet disinformation tactics and why it’s time for conservatism to return to its intellectual roots of prudence, liberty, and moral order before it’s completely co-opted by reactionary populism.
Catch all the biting commentary, satire, and facts in this must-listen episode

Why Conservatism Needs Substance

Croaky has a great discussion about the history of conservatism, influencers, and Con, Inc on a space with other contributors to the conversation.

Populist Waves Crash, but Conservatism Endures: The Case Against “Con Inc”

Article read from 9/4/24

Out of the Fire: DeSantis, Leadership, and the Coming Conservative Renaissance

This is an article reading about Ron DeSantis as the model for conservative leadership and how we forge our way forward to bring conservatism back to the Republican Party.

Tall Poppies and TransCons: The Struggle for True Conservative Leadership

I’ve noticed a schism in the modern conservative movement between two distinct groups: what I’ll call Traditional Conservatives (TradCons) and their disingenuous counterparts, the Transitory, Transitional and often Transactional Conservatives (TransCons). Enjoy.

Florida Marijuana Amendment 3 The Conservative Dilemma: When Should the State Step In?

In this Space to podcast discussion on Florida Marijuana Amendment 3 The Conservative Dilemma: When Should the State Step In? We explored the balance between personal freedom and state power through the lens of conservatism, using real-world examples like Florida's Amendment 3 on marijuana legalization. We had some thoughtful insights from the audience as we unpacked when and how the state should intervene in our lives while preserving the principles of freedom and public welfare and also discussed the conservative understanding of a compelling state interest in why marijuana legalization in this manner can be harmful.

The Balancing Act Between State Power and Personal Freedom

In this episode Croaky delves into a central question of conservative governance: When should the state intervene in the lives of its citizens? Through the lens of the conservative principle of the compelling state interest Croaky explores how this concept is applied in real-world debates, from Florida’s Amendment 3 on Marijuana legalization to even the issue of raw milk sales. Croaky discusses the balance between personal freedom and public welfare, highlighting how conservatives navigate the tension between limiting government power and protecting the common good.

Principled Vigilance: Conservatism’s Battle for Its Soul

The ascension of Donald Trump as a supposed bulwark against cultural decline presents a paradox within American conservatism. While his rise appeals to many disaffected by the status quo, it symbolizes a perilous compromise that erodes the foundational tenets of true conservatism. This episode explores the imminent danger of sacrificing enduring principles for ephemeral political gain.Trump's brazen rhetoric and unorthodox style are seen by many as a refreshing departure from establishment politicians. However, this allure obscures a disquieting truth: in embracing Trumpism, conservatism risks forsaking its soul for fleeting populist victories. Conservatism, rooted in moral integrity and principled governance, prizes the preservation of societal order and gradual evolution over reckless change.Drawing a comparison between Trump and Clint Eastwood's iconic "Man with No Name" character, the episode highlights the stark contrast between the two. The Man with No Name embodies a profound adherence to principles, individualism, and justice, standing as a stoic figure with a deeply ingrained moral code. In contrast, Trump's style represents a man of much talk and little action.The episode emphasizes the need for conservatism to uphold moral integrity above fleeting victories, drawing inspiration from intellectual giants like Edmund Burke, Russell Kirk, and William F. Buckley. It calls for a recommitment to enduring values of order, prudence, and continuity, urging conservatives to be principled in an unprincipled world.

Reality Check: Croaky Dismantles Abortion Dooming

There seems to be a lot of fear mongering around the issue of the left packing the Supreme Court and reinstating Roe V Wade. Let me explain why I am not afraid of that happening.